This training plan has been designed by Pav Bryan — Olympic cycling coach, TrainingPeaks Level 2 Coach and Amazon #1 Author.
Taking on your first hilly Gran Fondo?
This plan is designed for newer cyclists who already ride consistently and want a clear, progressive route towards completing a demanding hilly or mountainous Gran Fondo.
Long climbs and repeated elevation require more than basic endurance. You need aerobic fitness, sustainable climbing power, sensible pacing and enough fatigue resistance to keep riding strongly as the event gets harder.
This plan develops those qualities progressively so you can arrive fitter, better prepared and ready for the challenge.
Who this plan is for
This Build Your Fitness version is ideal if you're newer to structured training but already ride regularly and are ready to take the next step.
Training generally sits around 300–500 TSS per week (typically around 5–8 hours of cycling, depending on intensity and your fitness).
You should ideally have several weeks of consistent riding behind you before starting.
What you'll work on
- Aerobic endurance for longer rides
- Sustainable climbing power
- Short harder efforts for steeper gradients
- Fatigue resistance for long, hilly days
- Pacing, nutrition and hydration
- Recovery so you can train consistently
Where possible, make some of your longer rides similar to the terrain you'll face on event day. Hill repetitions can also be adapted to better match the length and gradient of your target climbs.
You can follow the sessions using power, heart rate or perceived exertion. A power meter can be useful, but it is not essential.
Simple, structured training
Every workout includes clear instructions so you know what to do and what the session is trying to achieve.
The goal is to build the fitness and confidence needed for a hilly event without making the training unnecessarily complicated.
Want more support?
This is a self-guided training plan designed to give you a clear structure to follow.
If you'd prefer training built specifically around your goals, available time, fitness and life outside cycling, you can upgrade to 1:1 coaching.
You'll find details and a link to book a free consultation at the start of the plan.
Build the endurance, strengthen your climbing — and arrive ready for your first hilly Gran Fondo.
Coaching athletes from those looking to enter their first event through to those like Mark Beaumont and James Lowsley-Williams ;)
I am experienced in public speaking and have presented numerous times around the world. I became a published author in 2019, with my #1 Amazon New Release book 'The Guide to Truly Effective Cycling'.